Whether it is mountain ice or frozen waterfalls, Chamonix ice climbing is superb. The 'thunk,thunk' of your axes bedding into the ice, and the beauty of the mountains in winter is hard to beat ... These courses are great action packed weeks, ice climbing everyday and returning to our chalet base each evening.

Ice Climbing Course Itinerary

Sunday: We meet in Chamonix at the chalet on Sunday evening to prepare for the next 5 days of ice climbing action.

Monday - Friday:  5 days ice climbing frozen waterfalls around Chamonix at venues such as the Argentiere basin, Trient, Chatelard and if conditions dictate, in the high mountains of the Mont Blanc massif. Likewise, we often spend a day ice climbing in Cogne (1.5hrs drive) or Kandersteg (2.5hrs drive). This combination really provides some of the best ice climbing around!

Saturday: Departure

Who is it for?

This course is suitable for novices and experts alike, as we have a huge number of routes to choose from, at all levels of difficulty. Equally, as we run these weeks on a 1:2 guide to climber ratio, we can make sure climbers are of a similar standard and have similar objectives.

So whether you want to climb hard routes, learn to lead or this is your first introduction to the world of ice climbing this is a great week.

Accommodation*

After each days ice climbing, we stay in one of our cosy Adventure Base chalets literally 6 minutes walk to Chamonix centre's restaurants and bars. Breakfast and a packed lunch are provided, leaving you to explore the delights of Chamonix in the evenings. For added convenience we can arrange your airport transfers to the chalet door for you - just let us know. Sometimes, to make the most of prevailing conditions dictate, we may spend a night or 2 in Cogne or Kandersteg during the week.

Equipment

A full kit list is in the InfoPack pdf. In short, January and February are often cold in the Alps (even down to -20!) and so you will need good winter garb, including full gore-tex, hat, warm gloves, warm layers and so on. It is also important to have appropriate boots that are warm & comfortable and stiff enough to take a climbing crampon. We provide group climbing kit (ropes, ice screws, quick draws) and personal technical gear such as harness, crampons, ice axes, boots and helmet can be rented in Chamonix if needed.

Transport*

Transport for the Chamonix venues and one trip to Cogne or Kandersteg is included.

* Note: Transport and accommodation are not included if paying the 'course only' price.